Evan Ferguson didn't suffer in the Gakpo comparisons until crude Fabinho tackle

Ferguson's performance at the Amex will have provided encouragement for those who hope he can fill the goalscoring gap that has been gaping ever since Robbie Keane retired.

Liverpool's Joe Gomez (left) and Brighton and Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson battle for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton. Picture: John Walton/PA Wire. 

Brighton & Hove Albion's sizeable group of new Irish fans will have had mixed feelings towards the end of FA Cup victory over Liverpool on Sunday. They will have cheered the dramatic last-minute winner from Kauro Mitoma but winced moments earlier with Evan Ferguson was clattered by Fabiinho and hobbled gingerly off the field.

The 18-year-old is tipped as the Republic’s next ‘big thing’ after making his international debut last November - and he’s part of a Brighton team that’s really worth watching.